I Fell for B4L…Literally! From Patient to Team Member.

I first came to Balanced for Life in Baulkham Hills as a patient... a few years ago… eight and a half years ago, actually!

A work colleague recommended Lindy after I’d been struggling with back pain for a few months. It all started when I ever so elegantly fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes, unable to move for some time. And what caused this spectacular collapse? Simply bending down to pick up my water bottle after exercising! It turned out that years of bad habits were coming back to bite me, and an old disc bulge had flared up again. Sooo, off I toddled to see Lindy. Back then, it was just Lindy! Greeter, practitioner, payment taker and booking whiz, all rolled into one. And so began my journey with B4L.

Lindy must have done something right, because not only did I get relief from that initial pain, but she also gave me exercises to do at home. I diligently ticked them off each day in the Physitrack app. Why was I so dedicated? Well, I was probably a little too scared of Lindy not to do them!

Then Pavle and the MLS laser joined the team. Although I felt things were improving, I’ll admit I was a healthy sceptic. I wondered whether it was really working or just the placebo effect. After all, there wasn’t much I could actually see happening in my back, and I’m certainly no contortionist!

Then life threw me another curveball. I broke my leg quite badly, requiring rods, screws and a long recovery. That was when I really began to appreciate the difference the laser, combined with treatment, could make for me.

The swelling and nerve pain in my leg improved significantly. This time, I could actually see the difference! I found my shoe slipped on so much more easily, and I was able to reduce the medication I was taking. For me, that was a real turning point. My healthy scepticism finally had some tangible results to contend with!

Eventually, an opportunity came along to work with the team, and I jumped at it. Somewhere along the way, I’d discovered that BFL was about so much more than treating sore backs and injuries. There was genuine passion and a desire here to help people live their best lives, move well and enjoy life with less pain. I wanted to be part of that.

Now, I get to hear people’s stories every day. Working at the front desk can sometimes be a little like being a hairdresser; people share so much, and it’s a privilege I never take lightly. I get to meet wonderful people, hear their highs and lows, and even sneak in the occasional baby cuddle. Being called Grandma, however, doesn’t seem to be on the cards anytime soon!

One of the best parts of my role is seeing and hearing the joy people experience when they notice improvements in their own bodies. Whether it’s getting back to an activity they love, moving more comfortably, or simply feeling better in their day-to-day lives, those little wins can mean so much.

And I love seeing those who keep coming in for regular check-ups and maintenance care, staying on top of things before they become bigger problems. They understand that looking after themselves is an ongoing journey, and that it’s much easier to keep climbing the ladder than to slide all the way down the snake and have to start climbing again! And yes, I include myself in that, too! Working here doesn’t mean I neglect my own care.

Looking back, I never imagined that the back injury that brought me through B4L’s doors would eventually lead me to become part of the team. What started as a search for pain relief has grown into something much more meaningful.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team that genuinely cares about helping people move better, feel better and get more out of life.

And who knows? Maybe I’m living proof that sometimes, falling flat on your back can lead you somewhere pretty wonderful! So, if you ever find yourself needing a little help getting back on your feet, you know where to find us. Just ask for Susan at the front desk. I promise I'll be standing this time!